Selecting a piece of jewelry for yourself or someone else can be very personal. One’s style, taste, budget, and occasion go into the decision. But, you may also acquire jewelry passed down through family members. This heirloom jewelry often conjures up strong emotions, especially if the person it originally belonged to is no longer with us.
“Fine jewelry is amazing because you can keep it in the family for so many generations, especially if you take care of it,” says Emily Prchlik, owner of Emily Prchlik Fine Jewelry. “That is special because many people think that only royal families have heirloom-worthy pieces, but many families have wonderful things from their grandparents or great-grandparents.”
A quality piece of jewelry is not only something that can last forever but can also be redesigned many years later if the recipient’s style and preferences change. “I have a couple who got engaged when they were very young and didn't have much money, and the ring's not quite the woman’s style anymore,” says Emily. “So, we're taking her ring and her mom's engagement ring and combining it into a new one. She’ll have a piece of her mom and then pieces of her original ring from when she and her husband started.”
Clients often come in with something they received from an ancestor, and even though it’s not quite their style, it's still very precious. Emily can reuse those stones and metals to redesign them into the perfect fit. “We want to make their jewelry into something they love and not just something they wear for a sentimental reason,” she says.
Sometimes the metal has been worn away from years of wear, but the stones are just fine. “We take the stones out and repurpose them, and it's still very special because the wearer knows they have those original pieces in there.” She can then take that unused gold or other precious metal and melt it down to be used in that piece, a new piece, or give the client credit.
Emily can even take one piece, like a bracelet, and make it into an entirely different piece, like a ring. “I've taken a big gaudy necklace and made it into a ring for every family member,” she says. “I have another project where I’m taking an old brooch and making it into a ring.”
She encourages people to bring in anything they have, even if they think it’s likely just costume jewelry. “A lot of the times, people have found some pretty amazing treasures that they thought for sure was just some kind of junk jewelry,” says Emily. “Genuine gemstones, like diamonds, can withstand being taken out of their original mountings.”
“Initial consultations are free of charge, and that's when I look at all your pieces, and we discuss what style or piece you’re looking for,” she says. “Maybe you have a necklace, but you wear rings more often. We might talk about the other jewelry in your collection and how it might fit.”
If the person decides to move forward, she can provide a 3D CAD design, a realistic rendering of the final piece. “We 3D print a model of it as well, so you'll get to try on the piece during that second appointment. We can make any edits at that stage if necessary.” Once approved, the piece will be cast and finalized for wear.
Heirloom jewelry makes a beautiful gift, especially around the holidays when families are often together and emotions are already running high. To have a piece of the past can bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia for those we remember fondly.
For more information, go to https://emilyprchlik.com/.
Quotes:
“A lot of the times, people have found some pretty unique treasures that they thought for sure was just some kind of junk jewelry.
“I've taken a big gaudy necklace and made it into a ring for every family member. I have another project where we're taking an old broach and making it into one ring.”